By Abiola Olawale
President of the United States of America (USA) Joe Biden during a telephone conversation applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the release of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents.
Tuggar said Tinubu and Biden spoke at length during a 30-minute voice call on Tuesday.
The Minister said: “I have been directed by Mr President to brief you with regards to his phone call with US President Joseph Biden at about 4 pm today.
“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and President Biden proceeded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and Nigeria’s partnership, and in particular, for the collaboration between the two countries with regards to…the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that we’re all aware of.”
Tuggar added that during the phone conversation, Biden also assured Tinubu that the US is keen on securing permanent status for two African countries, including Nigeria, on the United Nations Security Council.
He continued: “The two leaders also discussed the issue of the permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.
“President Biden, once again, assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.
“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance.”
This comes after Gambaryan left Nigeria on Monday after eight months of lawful detention. Gambaryan left the country after the Federal Government drop all charges against him.
The New Diplomat reports that Binance, its U.S. head of financial crime compliance, Gambaryan, and the exchange British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, had been battling with money laundering charges to the tune of $35 million.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were initially both detained.
Anjarwalla, however, fled lawful custody on March 22, 2024, while his counterpart, Gambaryan, was arraigned in April.Following his arraignment, the court ordered his remand at Kuje Correctional Facility.
